Manchester City Complete £125m Deal to Sign Chelsea Star Enzo Fernández on Deadline Day

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández in a blockbuster move on the final day of the 2026 summer transfer window.

The transfer, reported on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, matches the British transfer record set when Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle last summer.

🔵 Fernandez Set for City Medical

The 25-year-old Argentina international has been given permission to undergo a medical in Manchester before completing the move.

Fernández reportedly wanted the transfer and is set to reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City's manager.

The midfielder joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £106.8 million, meaning Chelsea stand to make a significant profit on the original transfer fee.

💰 British Record-Equalling Transfer

The £125 million agreement makes Fernández one of the most expensive players in British football history.

He would match the fee Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak, while becoming the first player to be transferred for more than £100 million on two separate occasions.

The deal also represents Manchester City's most expensive signing to date, underlining the club's determination to strengthen after finishing second in the Premier League last season.

⚽ Fernandez Had a Standout Season

Fernández enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists, while also playing a key role for Argentina during the World Cup.

His arrival gives City another high-quality option in midfield and adds even more depth to a squad that has already spent heavily during the summer window.

Manchester City had previously brought in Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and Brazilian winger Allan Elias from Palmeiras, among other additions.

💔 Major Blow for Chelsea

For Chelsea, Fernández's departure represents a major loss, particularly with the club still searching for a replacement before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea have been exploring several midfield options, including Lamine Camara and Manu Koné, as they look to fill the gap left by the Argentina star.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp argued that while losing Fernández is significant, the huge transfer fee could ultimately help Chelsea balance their finances.

🔥 What the Transfer Means for Man City

The signing represents another major statement of intent from Manchester City.

After finishing behind Arsenal last season, City are strengthening aggressively, and Fernández's combination of technical ability, passing range, goalscoring and experience could make him a crucial part of Maresca's midfield.

The reunion between Fernández and Maresca is also expected to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the move.